2024s With Best Chance of Improving Their Ranking

The months of September and October are often utilized to get back into the gym as high school programs hold workouts or open runs. Whether it be new faces on the team or players who will be expected to take on a bigger role this season, it's always an opportunity to get a better feel for how teams will look as winter approaches quickly.   The discussion around rankings never stop (trust me). As I've made my way around to different gyms, it's allowed me to see dozens of prospects and gather a list of the juniors who are best suited to improve their rankings in the future update.   [player_tooltip player_id='1127307' first='Andrew' last='Dixon'] | 6'0 | Mt. Carmel/Team Thrill   Current Ranking: No. 30   There was a major void left behind at Mt. Carmel with the departure of Deon Perry (Loyola MD). Perry was a high usage player who always had the ball in his hands and ultimately was most responsible for helping the Cougars to a 25-8 record that included and appearance in the MIAA title game. Dixon took advantage of his opportunities in spurts as a sophomore, but will now step into a much more involved role as a playmaker. He seems up for the challenge as he's a guard that thrives in getting downhill while being extremely shifty. His high-finishing floaters, creative lay-ups and vision as a driver will be mandatory. Dixon is a fierce defender who picks his man up full court throughout a 32-minute game. If Dixon can force the defense to respect his jumper, he'll be a tough player to prepare for if you don't have strong defensive guards.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/Damien-Jones.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/05/Damien-Jones-300x225.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1459609"/></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1413515' first='Damien' last='Jones'] | 5'10 | Grace Brethren/New World   Current Ranking: No. 31   Behind Dixon is Jones, another lead guard that brings plenty on defensive intensity. Jones harassers opposing ball handlers and likes to wear them down throughout the course of a game. Where he's best is in transition. Jones is a blur with the basketball and gets from end-to-end as quickly as any prospect in the area. As he pushes the tempo and puts pressure on the defense, Jones has good instincts and places the ball to streaking teammates in stride. He can also attack the rim himself where he looks to draw contact, get to the line and get free-throw opportunities. Grace Brethren has plenty of talent on its roster and it'll be Jones' responsibility to have his team rolling on all cylinders.   [player_tooltip player_id='1579098' first='Josiah' last='Legree'] | 5'11 | Parkville/Kali Elite   Current Ranking: No. 58   Up to this point, Legree is largely an unknown name. That won't last for long as Parkville gets set to make another run in Baltimore County and advance in Class 4A state tournament play. What makes Legree such a prospect is his feel for the game. Over the summer, he grew physically, athletically and mentally into one of the more intriguing prospect to project in the Baltimore Metro area. He's a capable shooter from three, extremely quick with the ball and has advanced vision as a passer. He's equipped with athletes around him, so expect there to be plenty of lobs thrown in the open floor, but Legree could also surprise you with above the rim finishes of his own.   [player_tooltip player_id='1366905' first='Kai' last='Settles'] | 6'7 | Jackson-Reed   Current Ranking: No. 79   Settles has already laid the foundation for a favorable jump in the rankings with his performance at the Top 250 Expo in September. The 6-foot-7 forward has made tremendous improvements to his body in comparison to last year and it's made a significant difference in his ability and motor. Settles takes pride being a presence on the glass, doesn't back down from physical play inside and has the mobility to guard 2-to-3 positions if needed. Offensively he finishes looks around the basket, has become a guy who can't be left open from three and continues to improve on his ability to attack off the bounce.

The months of September and October are often utilized to get back into the gym as high school programs hold workouts or open runs. Whether it be new faces on the team or players who will be expected to take on a bigger role this season, it's always an opportunity to get a better feel for how teams will look as winter approaches quickly.